Driving Guide for Long Holiday Road Trips

How Safe is Your Car? Check your vehicleConfidence for any long drive starts by ensuring your car is ready. Key areas to check yourself are tyres, levels of engine oil, coolant and windscreen-washer fluid.

Plan AheadPlanning is key to a safe and relaxed holiday journey. Before hitting the road:

Plan your route and work out how long it will take to reach your destination

Rethink your speedHoliday road trips often see you travelling on unfamiliar roads, in variable conditions and many will be towing a caravan or boat. With a lot of traffic on the roads, you may need to allow extra time to get there. Remember to stay within the speed limit and always choose an appropriate speed for the conditions.

No distractions With so much traffic on the roads, even a minor distraction can turn deadly in the event of something unexpected. Come up with strategies to avoid distraction, like putting your phone in the glovebox and ensuring young passengers have plenty to keep them occupied.

Drinking and driving – they’re better apartAn easy one to achieve – even small amounts of alcohol can inhibit your driving ability so avoid it altogether while on the move. Driving the morning after drinking can also have serious consequences so a quiet night and good night’s sleep before departure is always a great idea.

Pack safelyAlways ensure luggage, equipment, toys, etc that are inside the car are secured - this will ensure you're safe in the event of event of emergency braking or accidents. Luggage, equipment and even pets can become projectiles in the case of sudden braking.

WildlifeDriving on country roads in Australia can come with the risk of colliding with wildlife such as kangaroos and wombats. These animals are especially active at dawn and dusk - consider reducing your vehicle speed during these times.